Area Guides · October 28, 2026

Is Bothell, WA a Good Place to Buy a Home in 2026?

Quick answer: Yes, for many buyers. Bothell offers a central location between Seattle, the Eastside and Snohomish County, highly regarded Northshore School District schools, and prices well below Kirkland, Redmond and Bellevue. In the three months ending September 2026, Bothell’s median sale price was about $1.0 million, down about 9% from a year earlier (Redfin). Realtor.com reported a median sold price of about $980,000. That price softening, combined with more inventory, makes 2026 one of the better negotiating windows Bothell buyers have seen in years.

Bothell at a glance

  • Two counties, one city. Bothell is split between King County (south) and Snohomish County (north). Property tax rates, some services and price levels differ by side.
  • Schools. Most of Bothell is served by the Northshore School District, which is well regarded. Some north Bothell addresses fall in the Everett School District. Always check by address.
  • Jobs. The Canyon Park and North Creek business parks host biotech, medical device and tech employers. UW Bothell and Cascadia College share a campus in the city.
  • Commutes. I-405 and SR-522 connect Bothell to Bellevue, Redmond, Kirkland and Seattle. The Sammamish River and Burke-Gilman trails offer a bike route toward Redmond and Seattle.
  • Downtown revival. Downtown Bothell has been rebuilt over the past decade, with new restaurants, the historic McMenamins Anderson School and Bothell Landing Park.

Bothell home prices in 2026

Measure Latest figure Source
Median sale price (3-month) ~$1,000,000 (-9.1% YoY) Redfin, through Sep 2026
Median sold price ~$980,000 (-8.4% YoY) Realtor.com, 2026
Median listing price ~$929,000 (~$462/sq ft) RexMont, Oct 2026
Price per square foot (sold) ~$454 (-10.4% YoY) Redfin, Sep 2026

For context, Bothell’s prices are roughly 20% to 35% below Kirkland and Redmond for a similar home, and around $250,000 to $300,000 above the Snohomish County median. Townhomes in Canyon Park and North Creek often list in the $700Ks to $900Ks, while newer single-family homes typically range from about $1.0 million to $1.5 million.

Popular Bothell neighborhoods

Downtown Bothell

Walkable condos and townhomes near Main Street, the Park at Bothell Landing and the Sammamish River Trail.

Canyon Park

Near the business park and I-405, with many 1980s to 2000s single-family homes and townhomes. Popular with commuters to the Eastside and Everett.

North Creek and Mill Creek border

Newer subdivisions, many built in the 1990s through 2020s, with access to North Creek trails and the Mill Creek Town Center.

South Bothell (King County side)

Established neighborhoods with larger lots, mature trees and quick routes to Kenmore, Woodinville and Kirkland via SR-522 and I-405.

Thrasher’s Corner and north Bothell

North Bothell areas in Snohomish County with newer construction and more affordable entry points, close to Mill Creek, Lynnwood and I-405.

Gravel walking trail through green trees similar to Bothell's river trails
Trails along the Sammamish River and North Creek connect many Bothell neighborhoods. Photo: Pavł Polø / Unsplash

King County side vs. Snohomish County side

Factor King County Bothell Snohomish County Bothell
Typical prices Higher, closer to Eastside levels Somewhat lower for similar homes
Housing stock More established homes, larger lots More newer subdivisions and townhomes
Schools Northshore School District Mostly Northshore; some Everett SD
Commute Shorter to Kirkland, Seattle via SR-522 Shorter to Everett, Lynnwood, Mill Creek

Property tax levies differ between the two sides. Ask for the actual tax bill on any home you are considering, not just an estimate.

Tips for buying in Bothell this year

  1. Use the price softening. With prices down roughly 8% to 9% year over year, ask for inspection credits or a rate buydown.
  2. Compare new construction. Builders in north Bothell often offer rate incentives that resale sellers can’t match.
  3. Check HOA rules and fees, especially in townhome communities.
  4. Drive your commute at rush hour on I-405 before you commit.
Hand holding house keys over small model homes representing buying a home in Bothell
Bothell offers a more attainable path to Eastside-area homeownership. Photo: Jakub Żerdzicki / Unsplash

Frequently asked questions

What is the median home price in Bothell, WA?

Bothell’s median sale price was about $1.0 million for the three months ending September 2026 (Redfin), down about 9% year over year. Realtor.com reported a median sold price of about $980,000.

Is Bothell in King County or Snohomish County?

Both. The southern part of Bothell is in King County and the northern part is in Snohomish County. The county line runs roughly east to west through the city.

What school district is Bothell in?

Most of Bothell is in the Northshore School District. Some addresses in north Bothell are in the Everett School District, so verify the assigned schools for each home.

Is Bothell cheaper than Kirkland?

Yes. Bothell’s median is around $1.0 million, compared with about $1.25 million for Kirkland single-family homes.

Is Bothell a good place for families?

Many families choose Bothell for its schools, parks, trails, newer neighborhoods and more attainable prices compared with Eastside cities to the south.

Bothell is home base for Satish

Satish is based in Bothell and knows its neighborhoods, school boundaries and new-construction communities firsthand. Explore Bothell, get your home value, or schedule a consultation.

Figures come from public sources as of October 2026 and are approximate. Verify school and tax information for each property.

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